Single Idea 16385

[catalogued under 19. Language / B. Reference / 2. Denoting]

Full Idea

In Russell's definition of 'denoting', a definite description denotes an entity if that entity fits the description uniquely.

Gist of Idea

A definite description 'denotes' an entity if it fits the description uniquely

Source

report of Bertrand Russell (On Denoting [1905]) by François Recanati - Mental Files 17.2

Book Reference

Recanati,François: 'Mental Files' [OUP 2012], p.226


A Reaction

[Recanati cites Donnellan for this] Hence denoting is not the same thing as reference. A description can denote beautifully, but fail to refer. Donnellan says if denoting were reference, someone might refer without realising it.